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Committing to Epiphany
The Rev. Marissa Becklin
What the Magi's journey means for us
As we welcome the dawn of a new year, we are also greeted by the celebration of Epiphany, a momentous occasion in the liturgical calendar that calls us to reflect on the significance of God's revelation in our lives.
Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th, marks the culmination of the Twelve Days of Christmas, symbolizing the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles. The story revolves around the Magi, wise men from the East, who followed the guiding light of the star to the humble manger in Bethlehem, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn king.
The narrative of the Magi holds a timeless lesson for us all—an invitation to seek and encounter Christ, not only in the familiar corners of our lives but also in the unexpected and unconventional. Their journey teaches us the importance of openness to God's divine guidance, which may often come in ways we least expect.
Just as the star led the Magi to the infant Jesus, Epiphany challenges us to reflect on the guiding lights in our own lives. What are the stars that illuminate our spiritual paths? How can we recognize and follow the divine signals that lead us closer to God's glory? These questions encourage us to discern the subtle whispers of God in our daily lives, guiding us through both the ordinary and extraordinary moments.
Moreover, Epiphany is a reminder that God's grace extends to all, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or social status. The Magi were not part of the chosen people, yet God's light drew them into the story of salvation. As Lutherans, we are called to embrace a similar inclusivity, acknowledging that God's love knows no bounds and inviting all to join us on our journey of faith.
During this season of Epiphany, let us commit ourselves to be beacons of God's light in the world. Like the Magi, may we offer our most precious gifts—our time, talents, and treasures—in worship and service to the One who is the true Light of the World. As we embark on this new year, may the guiding star of Epiphany inspire us to live with purpose, seeking God's presence in every facet of our lives.
A Holistic Commitment
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” – Luke 1:37
Celebrating with Global Lutherans
Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust
An Ancient Symbol of Resurrection
As I prepare to travel with three of our youth from Faith United to the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans this July 15th, I wanted to take some time to tell you about what Youth Gathering actually is–and why I am so passionate about it as a pastor. The ELCA Youth Gathering is an extraordinary event that brings together thousands of Lutheran youth from across the country for a week of faith, fellowship, and service. It happens every three years, and is organized by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) for high school youth, adult leaders, and volunteers. The Gathering aims to provide an opportunity for young people to deepen their faith, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect with peers who share their Lutheran identity. So, what exactly happens at the ELCA Youth Gathering? Picture this: thousands of youth and adult leaders converging in a host city for a week-long experience filled with worship, Bible study, workshops, and service projects. The Gathering is structured around a central theme that guides all activities and discussions, allowing participants to explore relevant topics and issues in light of their faith. This year’s theme is “Created to Be”, and the host city is New Orleans, Louisiana. One of the most impactful aspects of the Gathering is its emphasis on service and social justice. Participants have the opportunity to engage in hands-on service projects within the local community, addressing issues such as hunger, homelessness, environmental stewardship, and racial justice. These service experiences not only make a tangible difference in the lives of those served but also challenge participants to live out their faith in practical ways. The Gathering took place in New Orleans in 2009 and 2012 as well, and played a big role in the city’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina. In 2018 it was in Houston, right after Hurricane Harvey went through the previous year, and most of the service done that year was hurricane cleanup. In addition to service, the Gathering provides a space for worship and spiritual growth. Each day begins and ends with powerful worship experiences, featuring dynamic speakers, inspiring music, and opportunities for reflection and prayer. Through these worship gatherings, youth are encouraged to encounter God in new and meaningful ways and to deepen their relationship with Christ. But perhaps the most significant aspect of the Gathering is the sense of community and belonging that participants experience. For many youth, the Gathering is a chance to connect with peers from different backgrounds and cultures, forming friendships that last a lifetime. It's a place where youth can be themselves, ask tough questions, and explore their faith in a supportive and affirming environment. The ELCA Youth Gathering is more than just a conference—it's a transformative experience that equips young people to live out their faith in the world. It's an opportunity to encounter God, serve others, and build meaningful relationships with peers who share a common Lutheran heritage. I’m passionate about the Gathering because I attended as a high schooler, and I got to experience the feeling of being surrounded by thousands of other teens from across the United States who were Lutheran and were proud of that fact. It would be hard to overemphasize how important it is for young people (especially in today’s more secular society) to experience that community, and that space of pride and joy in one’s faith. The Gathering made me think about myself and my role in the church in a different way, and it was on the bus back to Iowa that I first wondered if I might feel called to be a pastor someday. This will be (I hope) a life-changing event for Lily, Haley, and Gabby. Please pray for them in these months as we prepare to head out, and please be ready to ask them questions about their experience when they get back. Lastly, thank you for your generous support of this trip for them–the Gathering is not inexpensive, but it is worth it, and your financial support makes this experience possible for them. Thank you for helping them feel valued by you in this way. In Christ’s Love, Pastor Marissa
Faithfully Navigating Politics With Grace And Conviction
Taking cues from the season for how to pray
In a world inundated with media messages clamoring for our attention, it is essential for us as Christians to approach our consumption of media with discernment and wisdom. Just as we seek guidance and direction in our daily lives through prayer and scripture, so too should we turn to God in prayer before engaging with the various forms of media that surround us–be they television, radio, print, film, social media, podcasts, etc. The words and opinions of this world are human, not holy, and we do well (especially as we approach the media onslaught before an election this fall) to ask for God’s guidance, peace, and wisdom as we wade through it all. Below I am sharing with you a “Liturgy for Before Consuming Media”. I invite you to tear this out of your print newsletter or pick up a copy at church in the back of the Sanctuary, so that you can put it on your fridge or somewhere in your home as a guide for prayer over the next number of months. Prayer is a habit that we develop and build, and at first it will feel strange to stop and pray before every time you open your phone to scroll the news or Facebook, or every time you turn on the TV or radio, or open the newspaper. In time, I hope that this habit becomes natural to you, and that you become comfortable enough with the prayer that you don’t need to lean on the words of this liturgy anymore–I hope that you’ll develop your own short prayer that works for you. The truth is that there are SO many words, opinions, angry messages, and fights out there vying for our attention. Our country is quite polarized right now, and our political parties (all of them) benefit from us feeling afraid and angry, because those feelings motivate us. God calls us away from these feelings, though, and invites us instead into a position of prayerful peace. We cannot listen to the still, small voice of God guiding us if we are shouting, or if our ears are ringing with fear and rage. God is with us, beloved. Always. And God is accompanying us through these months ahead, calling us to patience, curiosity, and to the task of listening to God and one another. May we be guided by the Holy Spirit to discern that which is true, noble and uplifting, and to recognize and reject that which is deceitful or harmful. A Liturgy Before Consuming Media O Discerning Spirit, who alone judges all things rightly, now be present in my mind and active in my imagination as I prepare to engage with the claims and questions of broken human beings. Shape my vision by yours, and tutor me, Holy Spirit, that I might learn to discern the difference between those stories that are whole, echoing the greater narrative of your redemption, and those that are bent or broken, failing to trace accurately the patterns of your eternal thoughts and so failing to name rightly the true condition of humanity and all of creation. Grant me wisdom to divide rightly. Bless me with the great discernment to be able to celebrate the stamp of your divine image. Guard my mind against the old enticement to believe a lie simply because it is beautifully told. Let me not be careless. Give me right conviction to judge my own motives in that which I approve, teaching me to be always mindful of that which I consume, and thoughtful of the ways in which I consume it. Impart to me keener knowledge of the limits of my own heart in light of my own particular brokenness, that I might choose what would be for my flourishing and not for my harm. Let my own freedoms in Christ never be flaunted or exercised in such a way as to give cause for confusion, temptation, or stumbling in others. May the stories I partake of, and the ways in which I engage with them, make me in the end a more empathetic Christ-bearer, more compassionate, more aware of my own brokenness and need for grace, better able to understand the hopes and fears and failings of my fellow humans, so that I might more authentically live and learn and love among them unto the end that all of our many stories might be more beautifully woven into your own greater story. Amen. From A Liturgy Before Consuming Media Found in Every Moment Holy Volume 1 In Christ’s Love, Pastor Marissa
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